SAT | ARTOPIA at SOCO CLUBS | 2/22/14 Pruitt Poythress has crafted a sound that translates his fascination with the storytelling styles of hip-hop's golden era into modern dance music. Creating big-room sounds minus the same old build-and-drop structure of most electronic sets, Pruitt works the ebbs and flows of his life into the beats that emanate from the sound system he's controlling. In advance of his appearance at this weekend's Artopia, we spoke with the recent North Carolina transplant about coming to Denver and the new flavor he brings to the scene. Catch Pruitt at Artopia with a lineup of producers and DJs handpicked from the local scene, including Mikey Thunder, Decadon, Lotus Drops, Pan Astral and much more.
See also: All upcoming shows in our constantly updated Denver concert calendar
FRI | CARL CRAIG at NON-CLUB VENUE | 2/21/14 Carl Craig has one of the most recognizable names in dance music -- which is all the more impressive when you consider that he has nearly enough alter egos to take over a stage at a weekend festival. The Detroit techno god started experimenting with identity and sound early, playing sets and releasing tracks as 69, BFC and Psyche in the late '80s and early '90s; his label, Planet E Communications, has been releasing tracks by respected artists since 1991. Craig was present for the heyday of the Motor City's techno scene, and he continues to showcase the gritty, pulsing music that has garnered that city world renown -- even as he updates and tweaks his personal sound style. The legendary artist will play an extended set, with Heidi and some local favorites joining in the fun, on Friday, February 21, at a to-be-announced venue (visit brownpapertickets.com/event/555952 for tickets).
FRI | ANA SIA at FOX THEATRE | 2/21/14 It wasn't all that long ago that Ana Sia was hustling around a kitchen preparing delicious recipes for a living and cooking up grimy bass music was merely a hobby. After being flown out for her first gig, though, she decided it was time to focus her full energy and attention on her music. Playing festivals around the world in recent years, Sia has cultivated a career that has placed her in the deepest pockets of dance music around the globe.
SAT | MARTYPARTY at CERVANTES' MASTERPIECE BALLROOM | 2/22/14 MartyParty is the chosen moniker of Marty Folb, a South African-by-way-of-New York artist who has been simultaneously building his name in the EDM world with PantyRaid, another project in which he tours with Ooah from the Glitch Mob. Whatever the project, MartyParty is making all the right moves, with music that's ahead of the curve, unique sounds propelled by spectacular song structures and infused with enough bass to separate paint from the plaster.
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